Tourist Places to Visit in Tirupati, What to see in Tirupati?

Tirupati is a pilgrim destination that every devotee dreams of visiting at least once. This pious town in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh boasts of many prominent temples in the world. However, if you are wondering what to see in Tirupati then you can have a look at our comprehensive list on the most popular tourist places to visit in Tirupati.

Sri Venkateswara Temple – Famous at the Tirupati Balaji temple (Hindi: तिरुपति बालाजी मंदिर) or Tirumala Temple, this temple is one of the most visited pilgrimages for the Hindu devotees. The richest shrine in the world, Tirupati Balaji Temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is located at the 7th hill of Tirumala Hills, named as Venkatachala or Venkatadri Hills. This temple and its legends have been mentioned in many sacred Hindu scriptures such as Rig Veda (रिग वेद) and Asthadasa Puranas (पुराण).

Sri Varahaswami Temple – Another temple of immense religious significance is the Sri Varahswami Temple, dedicated to the one of the avatars of Lord Vishnu that was in the form of the wild boar. This temple has also been mentioned in Brahma Purana (ब्रह्मा पुराण), a revered scripture for Hindu. Devotees visit this temple and offer their prayers first before visiting Tirupati temple. As per the legend, Sri Varahaswamy was residing in the Tirumala Hills, however, upon Lord Venkateswara arrival he gave the land to the lord, hence Lord blessed him that devotees will worship and offer prayers to him even before the lord.

Swami Pushkarini – A holy freshwater lake, Swami (स्वामी) Pushkarini is a place for must visit in Tirupati. As per the legends, Lord Vishnu with his beloved consort used to bathe in the waters of Swami Pushkarini. It is believed that the holy water of this lake has the power to cleanse devotees of their sins.

Akasa Ganga – Located near Tirumala Temple, Akasa Ganga (आकाश गंगा) is a breathtaking waterfall. Its holy water which is believed to be falling from the Lord’s feet is used for the various temple related chores. Its natural beauty captivates everyone. Even lord Venkateshwara abhishekam (अभिषेक) is being done with this water every morning.

Talakona Waterfall- It is located about 49 km away from Tirupati Temple, and is considered to be one of the largest waterfalls in the country. Falling from a height of 270 feet, Talakona Waterfall presents a breathtaking natural beauty to admire. It is also believed that by taking a dip in its waters, people can get cured of various ailments.

Sri Venugopala Swamy Temple - Located at a distance of 48 km from Tirupati town, Sri Venugopalaswamy Temple (Hindi: श्री वेणुगोपाल स्वामी मंदिर) is in KarvetiNagaram. Being the only temple around Tirupati that is dedicated to Lord Krishna in his childhood avatar, Sri Venugopalaswamy Temple is visited by most of the devotees. The temple has idols of Goddess Rukmini Devi and Goddess Satyabhama Ammavaru as well, placed along the side of Lord Krishna statue.

TTD Gardens - Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (तिरूमाला तिरूपति देवस्थानम) or the TTD Garden is another place to see in Tirupati. This vast garden with an area of 460 acres has more than 200 species of flowers which have been grown in an aesthetically designed manner, creating a mesmerizing view. These flowers from the TTD Gardens are used in all the temples in and around Tirupati for garlands, mandapam (मंडपम), pandals and other decorations.

Papa Vinasanam Dam - Holy waters of Papa Vinasanam attracts almost every devotee in Tirupati as it is said that its water has the power to wash away all the sins of the devotees. This place also boasts of exceptional scenic beauty; its waterfall is worth watching.

Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy temple / Srinivasa Mangapuram Temple - Located in Srinivasa Mangapuram, 12 km West of Tirupati, this temple is considered as an alternative to those devotees who cannot go and visit Tirupati Temple owing to various reasons. According to legends, Lord Venkateswara Swamy o after his wedding with Goddess Padmavati had stayed at ashram (आश्रम) of saint Agasthya where they had gone to seek his blessings. Satisfied and happy with his stay, Lord Venkateswara before returning to Tirumala Hills, blessed that anyone who is not able to visit Tirumala because of health and age can visit to Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy temple (श्री कल्याण व्यंकटेश्वर स्वामी मंदिर) and seek lord’s blessings.

Srivari Museum - For those who wish to understand the history of the place can visit Srivari Museum. Situated next to Karnataka Choultry, this museum displays varied scriptures, pictures and paintings along with various sculptures, all depicting the history of temple and its architecture.

Sri Varasiddhi Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple - (श्री वारा सिद्धि विनायक स्वामी मंदिर) Also known as Swayambhu Sri varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple, built during Chola rule in 11th century, this temple is located in Kanipakam Village of Chittoor District. Dedicated to Lord Vinayaka, it is believed that the idol of the lord is self-manifested and is growing in size every day as it has outgrown the armour which was offered to the lord 50 years back. Presently, devotees can see up to Lord’s knee and abdomen.

Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple/ Kapila Theertham Swayambhu - Named after a highly revered saint Maharishi Kapila (महर्षि कपिल), who was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. Pleased with his devotion Lord Shiva along with Goddess Parvati had given him divine darshan (दर्शन). It was then a Kapila Shiva Linga manifested itself. As it is a self-manifested lingam (शिव लिंग), it is also referred with the name of Swayambhu. This temple has been developed and renovated by many empires such as Pallava kings, Vijayanagara kings and Tirumala Mahants.

Sri Vari Padala Mandapam Temple - Located in Alipiri, it is also a prime temple of Tirupati, dedicated to Sri Padala Venkateswara Swamy. The legend behind the temple says that every night when Lord Venkateswara Swamy goes to meet his consort Goddess Padmavathi Devi, he leaves his footwear at Alipiri Padalu, which is known as Alipiri Padala Mandapam before going to Tiruchanoor.

Srikalahasti Temple - Built in 10th Century during the Chola reign and improved during Vijayanagar Empire, Srikalahasti Temple is located about 36 km from Tirumala Temple, on the banks of River Swarnamukhi. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, in the form of one of the primary elements of nature that is air/Vayu (वायु) as it is one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, a few temples that worship Lord Shiva as a representation of nature’s prime elements. The holy Vayu-linga in the temple’s sanctum sanctorum is also said to be self-manifested and of having miraculous powers.

SriVari Padalu - Located on the Narayanagiri Hills, it is the place where Lord Venkateswara first stepped on. This hill is the highest among seven Tirumala Hills. This place has been mentioned in many of the holy scriptures of Hindu religion.

ISKCON Temple Tirupati - One of the largest ISKCON Temple in the world, ISKCON Tirupati Temple is another must visit place in Tirupati. Its architecture and mesmerising décor along with magnificent idols of Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha, captivate every devotee. Holy chanting makes the serene atmosphere even more entrancing. This temple is the result of his holy Srila Prabhupada’s imagination which germinated in the year of 1974.

Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple (श्री गोविंदा राजा स्वामी मंदिर)- One of the most important temples in Tirupati, this temple not only holds immense religious importance but also presents magnificent architectural excellence. Dedicated to Lord Govindaraja Swamy, who was the elder brother of Lord Venkateswara Swamy. It is said that he had organized the grand wedding of the lord Venkateswara and Goddess Padmavathi by wisely utilizing the wealth he had gained from King Kubera. It is believed that by seeking the blessings at this temple, devotees can increase their wealth and maintain it.

Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple - Also known with the name of Alamelu mangapuram Temple or Alamelumangapuram, it is another prominent temple in Tirupati that is dedicated to Goddess Padmavathi, wife of Lord Venkateswara, who is believed to have arrived on Earth on a Golden colour Lotus flower. Devotees visit this temple before visiting Tirupati Balaji Temple. According to legend, it was in search of Goddess that lord Vishnu had come down to earth in the form of Lord Venkateswara.

Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple - Dedicated to Lord Kodanda Rama Swamy Varu (Lord Rama), Lord Lakshmana and Goddess Sita Ammavaru, this temple is maintained by TTD and one of the important temples of Tirupati. This temple has also been mentioned in the various Puranas (पुराणों). It is believed that Lord Rama along with his wife Goddess SIta and Brother Lord Lakshmana had stayed at this place for one night, while on their way back after 14 years of exile.

Silathoranam - Located just 1 km from Tirumala Temple, Silathoranam (Tamil: சிலதொரணம்) (Telugu: శిలాతోరణం) is a natural rock-formation which is of great archaeological importance as well as has religious importance attached to it. As per geologists, these rocks go back to the pre-Cambrian era and are said to be almost 1.5 billion years old. It comprises of two different sets of rock which are attached to each other only an extremely thin link.

Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple - Located at Sripuram, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. Led by Saint Sri Sakthi Amma, this temple was inaugurated in 2007. Spread over an area of 100 acres, this temple has gained massive popularity among devotees. It's remarkably beautiful architecture along with serene atmosphere makes it worth visiting.

A Trip to Tirupati presents devotes with the opportunity to visit many prominent temples as well as experience the natural beauty of various waterfalls. What makes the tour even better is the location of Tirupati. It is well connected to every important cities of India via roadways, railways and airways.